Isles poet one of 12 winners of Scottish New Writer’s Award

SHETLAND poet James Sinclair has been named as one of 12 winners of Scottish Book Trust’s New Writer’s Award.

Sinclair, who writes poetry in both Shetland dialect and in English, said he was “delighted” to receive the honour.

“It gives me the opportunity to explore a book of poems in the Shetland dialect, which I am very passionate about,” he added.

The Lerwick-born author has been writing poetry for the past 20 years and has published two full-length poetry collections – Yarnin in 2017 and Sheeksin in 2021.

Now turning his talent to fiction, Sinclair is working on a novel set in rural Scotland, exploring themes of legacy, belonging, and the passage of time.

Over the years his work has also appeared in a number of literary magazines and poetry compilations, while his radio play, Da Sam Rodd Wir Ancestors Drave, went out on BBC Radio Shetland in 2021.

Sinclair is also on the editorial committee of the New Shetlander magazine and is a committee member of the Shetland dialect group Shetland Forwirds.

The prestigious New Writers programme provides mentorship, financial support and development opportunities to allow writers to take the next step in their careers.

In addition to a £2,500 cash award, recipients benefit from mentorship from industry professionals, a week-long retreat, and access to publishing industry experts to help develop their writing careers.

Scottish Book Trust chief Marc Lambert said they were “committed to nurturing emerging voices in Scottish literature”.

“This year’s awardees, with their unique perspectives and storytelling, promise to enrich Scotland’s literary landscape, and we are excited to support them as they take the next steps in their writing journeys.”

Shetland has enjoyed plenty of success in the book trust’s new writers award scheme in recent years, with Siún Carden picked in 2024 and Hannah Nicholson elected in 2021.